Not a mother? Don't have a child? - exploratory workshop

Not a mother? Don't have a child? - exploratory workshop

How is it for you not to have your own children or to be a mother? The experience of not being a mother or having a child can result in a vast array of feelings, such as sadness, loss, heartache, feelings of failure, relief, guilt, struggle with social identity... and much more. Often there can be a confusing cocktail of ambivalent emotions involved. I was surprised to discover that current estimates suggest that 20-25% of women now of childbearing age will not, for a variety of reasons, ever ...

How is it for you not to have your own children or to be a mother? The experience of not being a mother or having a child can result in a vast array of feelings, such as sadness, loss, heartache, feelings of failure, relief, guilt, struggle with social identity... and much more. Often there can be a confusing cocktail of ambivalent emotions involved. I was surprised to discover that current estimates suggest that 20-25% of women now of childbearing age will not, for a variety of reasons, ever have a child. I use both "not being a mother" and "not having a child" to include women with a variety of experiences, some women may have experienced misscarriage, abortion or loss of a child and consider themselves mothers, while others may mother a child or children that are not their own.

Whether it be through a conscious choice or through circumstances, this topic feels like something important to acknowledge and explore, rather than supress or deny. It appears there is still significant societal expectation that women settle down and have children and many women feel this pressure and a sense of loss or failure if this doesn't happen for them. There is also their own personal journey, where not having a child or bing a mother can frequently be a cause of much pain and sadness.

Whatever your circumstances, this gathering will be an opportunity to explore your experiences of not being a mother or having a child.

The contents of the afternoon will depend on what feels right for the group and what comes to the fore, it is likely to include:

An opportunity to share your story and experiences of not being a mother/having a childAcknowledgement and expression any associated feelings or painSharing and listening to the experience of others which can bring a sense of recognition and communityReleasing of any blockages or stored emotions in a safe and held spaceComing to terms/dealing with with societial expectations around having a familyOpportunity to create a letting go ritualCelebrate feminity and other aspects of womanhoodSing, create and express the divine feminine aspects of ourselvesExploration of a way of expressing “mothering” energies or finding fulfillment within your life

If you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to get in touch.

If you are unable to attend the workshop or would prefer to have a 1:1 facilitation session around this or any other issue, this can easily be arranged either in person or via Skype, just get in touch to discuss